The last appearance of the group layout 'Brinkley' was at Railex in 2013. Prior to that show and during the five years since members have been refurbishing the layout. Brinkley has now been extended to 38ft with 2 replacement 5ft scenic boards and 3 new fiddle yard boards. The 2 new boards replace the engine shed and yard whilst the additional length enabled the gradient on the main line to be reduced.The layout has been completely rewired and the new trackwork and scenery blended with the old - interesting tasks!

Over the weekend members of the group took the 'new' layout to the Lydney show in what proved to be a 'shakedown' for the layout. Various faults were identified but in the main everything worked which was pleasing in itself as this was the first occasion we have had to erect all 38ft !

That all looks rather lovely, Robin, very nice job done by one and all.

I've always thought that the long, straight section of running line in this view is reminiscent of a section of the Bullo Pill to Cinderford line in the Forest of Dean, leading to one of the tunnels. Did that provide the inspiration, per chance?

Thanks you for your kind comments chaps. Tim the inspiration for the layout came from members of the group at it's formation over 30years ago and is now lost within the mists of time. The two fiddleyards are Oxford at the single line end and Wellingborough at the other which enables stock from a number of regions to be run over the layout.Robin